The West Ham transfer machine is stuttering to such an extent, that it’s almost ground to a halt. Rumours of disagreement over potential targets as well as valuations are a huge concern. Factor in the disturbing quotes to Claret & Hugh by a ‘club source’ and it’s starting to become troubling.
Most of us are playing guesswork at this stage, but it seems that there is a transfer committee. The group consists of Mark Noble, Tim Steidten, David Sullivan and David Moyes, with the latter having power of veto.
If reports are to be believed it appears that the transfer council have yet to agree on a single signing. Moyes is understood to have pushed heavily for Fulham’s Jaoa Palhinha, despite reservations from the rest of the group.
Palhinha is seen to be too old and too expensive, however two bids of £45m & £50m have been made. Fulham rejected both offers which appears to have prompted a stalemate at West Ham. Sullivan is unwilling to offer the £60m it would take to sign the player, largely because he’d be a depreciating asset.
Palhinha has recently picked up a shoulder injury in pre-season, which may force a switch. How much truth there is that we’re targeting Edson Alvarez upon learning of the injury remain unconfirmed.
As a result of Moyes’s No1 target being unobtainable, it is believed the group would like to explore some of Steidten’s selections. Unfortunately there appears to be a stumbling block. . . .
West Ham’s failing transfer system
Sources at West Ham are concerned that were Steidten to purchase a player, David Moyes might refuse to select him. If that is true, the transfer committee in a stalemate situation of shambolic proportions.
David Sullivan will need to take charge and force policy. Either the director of football or the manager must be in charge, not both.
It would appear that under the current system both men are rendered impotent. David Moyes can’t recruit the players he wants because they’re deemed too old and expensive. Whilst Steidten can’t recruit because Moyes might not select his signings. It’s a mess.
David Sullivan will ultimately need to decide what his vision of West Ham actually is. If he wants the modern data driven model, then he must make Steidten omnipotent. If he wishes to back his trophy winning manager, then he must purchase his transfer selections without quarrel.
What is evident is that both can’t function in unison. By this time last year (July 24th), the club had already signed 3 players. Gianluca Scamacca was signed on the 26th, followed by a flurry of activity in August. Currently West Ham have signed nobody, which is a damning indictment of policy.
